B a b i e s

By: Jeri Hahn-Markowitz

A calendar of your baby’s first year:

* examples of baby’s milestones

* suggested activities and toys

* space to record baby’s accomplishments

Parents

Please remember that there is a wide range of normal function: each baby is unique and special, and each has his own individual timetable. Some babies will, for example, be early crawlers, while others will crawl later on – and both are acceptable and fine. Some babies will be very communicative from an early age – they will make eye contact, smile a lot and make sounds often, while others more gradually develop these  communicative skills– and both of these are acceptable and fine, too. Some babies will be like a sponge, absorbing the various stimuli around them, for example, attentively listening to music or to you reading to them or talking to them. They may develop quicker than other babies in their mental abilities – and both types of babies are acceptable and fine here, too.

It is important to keep in mind that as long as your baby consistently progresses in his development – at whatever pace that happens to be – there is usually no reason for concern. If you notice that your baby has not achieved new abilities over the course of several weeks, or that he has regressed in his development, have him examined by a developmental pediatrician.

In this book, the lists of milestones are intentionally short. They are meant to serve as examples of some of the milestones that babies at a given age often achieve. Slight changes from the frequency or regular continuum are normal, but if you notice a significant discrepancy between your baby's behavior and the guidelines found in this – or any – book, talk to your pediatrician or a child development specialist.

The lists of activities, toy and accessories are partial. New toys and products may be added and, of course, your creativity and imagination can greatly enrich the lists.

This book is designed for parents and caretakers of girls and boys, and is written in the masculine only for purposes of the reader's convenience.

Dear Mommy and Daddy!

I’m special! I’m like no one else in the whole world.

I know you want me to be happy and to develop nicely. I will develop at my own unique pace, with you by my side. You’re mine and I love you. I don’t compare you to other parents, so please don’t compare me to the children of other parents. 

Please, don’t push me to achieve goals before I’m ready for them. I know you don’t like pressure, and neither do I.

I’ll reach goals when I'm ready, sometimes earlier and sometimes later than you expect me to reach them. Don’t be disappointed in me; there is so much to learn! I know you’ll do your best to be patient teachers. I don’t need constant stimulation but I do need as much cuddling as you can give me. And playtime gives me an opportunity to express my initiative and creativity.

Come play with me.

I love you!